ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said that the federal government would finalize its policy on Yemen’s issue in accordance with the decision of the Parliament.
“We want to seek guidance from the House
on the Yemeni crisis and will follow its decision in letter and in spirit,” he said while addressing the joint session of the Parliament in Islamabad on Tuesday.
The prime minister categorically made it clear that the government had not taken any decision on the issue so far.
Nawaz Sharif said that the government is taking input by House members seriously and would make their suggestions part of the policy on Yemen. He said that besides the parliament, the government has also been in touch with the military on the issue.
The prime minister said that the government will not conceal any facts from the Parliament.
Sharif further said that the government is awaiting response from the Turkish leadership relating to its meetings with Iran and Saudi Arabia. He said that Pakistan along with Turkey would also consult with the leadership of Indonesia and Malaysia to find out ways to ease on-going tension in Yemen.
“Pakistan would stand by Saudi Arabia whenever there was any threat to its territorial integrity,” Nawaz Sharif added.
Yemen conflict not sectarian issue: Mushahid Hussain
The Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) leader Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed said while speaking in the House that the conflict in Yemen is not a sectarian issue. He stressed that it is a Middle Eastern proxy war between Iran and Gulf power Saudi Arabia.
“We feel indebted to Saudi Arabia for their support in the past,” he says, adding that if there is a threat to Saudi Arabia’s territorial integrity, Pakistan will have no qualms standing by their side.
However, he said that Pakistan should avoid getting entangled in the Yemen conflict as it was not her war to fight.
The PML-Q leader said that Russia and Pakistan should co-host Saudi Arabia and Yemen for negotiation, adding that a ceasefire should be called for in the United Nations.
Decision on Yemeni issue should be according to our national interests: Khursheed Shah
The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) lawmaker and the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Syed Khursheed Ahmad Shah said that the Parliament should take a decision on Yemeni issue in keep with our national interests.
Khursheed Shah said that an in-camera session could be convened for more open discussion on the issue.
Bizenjo urges diplomatic efforts on Yemen situation
The National Party (NP) leader Mir Hasil Khan Bizenjo in his remarks said that the government should pursue the course of diplomacy and dialogue for peaceful solution of Yemen crisis.
Bizenjo said that dynamics of politics are reshaping in the Middle East and Pakistan should adopt a sagacious approach for better relations with the entire Arab world and Iran.
Sirajul Haq sees conspiracy behind Middle East conflict
In his remarks, the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Amir Sirajul Haq said that Pakistan, Turkey and Iran should play the role of mediator for peaceful solution of Saudi-Yemen conflict.
The JI Chief said that the recent Middle East conflict is part of a conspiracy hatched by certain forces to divide the Arab world.
Sirajul Haq said that a parliamentary delegation comprising members from different sects should be formed and sent to different Islamic countries to find an amicable solution of Yemen crisis.
Earlier, the joint session of the Parliament resumed its proceedings with the Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq in the chair on Tuesday morning to discuss Yemen conflict and develop consensus strategy on the issue.
